A Lasting Love: Michelle & Andrew's Irish Wedding

Michelle and Andrew originally married 10 years ago, in a little registry office in their home town in America. A honeymoon to Ireland followed, where they fell in love with the natural landscape and chilled out, welcoming vibe of the Irish. There and then they decided that on their 10th anniversary they'd come back to Ireland to celebrate all over again. Sticking to their promise Michelle and Andrew came back, this time with their children and very closest of friends for an Epic (with a capital E) Irish vow renewal.

Rewinding back to the very beginning, Andrew and Michelle met, like many, while studying in college. Completely smitten Andrew and Michelle were engaged just 7 months later. The following year, while in the midst of wedding planning, they moved to the East Coast to begin a new path of study in law school. Overwhelmed by study and planning pressure, Andrew and Michelle woke up one morning and decided on a spur of the moment elopement. Michelle went to the nearest Anne Taylor to buy an impromptu white dress, grabbed a bouquet of tulips in a local store and before the end of the day they were married. No one knew, and 9 months later they celebrated again, this time surrounded by family at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

A honeymoon to Ireland, several moves and 3 kids and ten years later Michelle and Andrew decided to do it all again, with an epic Irish vow renewal.

Michelle's floral crown, and all of the other beautiful rustic flowers were done by Ann Marie O’Leary. "It was wonderful to tell Ann Marie “purple flowers... something Charlotte Bronte would write about, just make sure it has lilac somewhere” and let her work her magic." Michelle put lots of trust in her suppliers throughout the planning and they all came through for beautifully. It pays to pick professionals!

While planning a wedding is usually quite exciting, it is quite the undertaking and for most people once is more than enough, so why would Michelle and Andrew want to go through it all again, especially with 3 small children in tow? Michelle explained their purpose, and I'm guessing it's something a lot of people would understand... "Whereas our original wedding was all about everyone else, this renewal was to reflect us more directly and what we felt was important: love, friendship, tradition, and faith. For our renewal, it was paramount to emphasize positivity and meaningful details. We would only invite those who were most dear to us, only those who wanted to be there, who had meaning for us, whom we cherished and who we knew cherished us. Every element from the colours used to the type of flowers selected all had a very specific meaning. " And having had such a wonderful honeymoon in Ireland, they decided this was to be the place.

With Ireland decided on Michelle and Andrew began to search for the perfect spot to say their I dos all over again. Having married indoors beforehand they both agreed an outdoor ceremony amongst stunning Irish scenery would be something special for all of their travelling guests. But where? "Since we had a church wedding before, we really embraced the idea of going outdoors this time. After much thought and debate between castles and lakes and cliffs, I remembered from my readings the stone circles. The symbolism and energy of the stone circles was precisely what I had in mind, so I set off to find one. Thankfully Ireland is full of them, and I found Uragh. I knew as soon as I saw the picture it was the perfect place: off the beaten path, largely undisturbed and breathtakingly beautiful."

So it was, on a blustery Spring day the couple, their family and closest loved ones found themselves roaming the hills of Kerry...

To begin the ceremony Michelle and Andrew's adorable kids ran ahead twinkling DIY ribboned bells, before traditional Irish musician Eoin Duignan took over with the serene tones of his Uilleann pipes.

Certainly something the children will remember forever.

Poor Michelle looks frozen to the core, but such is the lot of the Irish bride - we have to suffer through the weather and smile. It's always worth it in the end!

For the ceremony Michelle chose a romantic Queen Anne’s Lace Claire Pettibone dress which she accessorised with a simple diamond gold cross (as her something old), violet amethyst drop earrings (something new), a blue pin (something blue) and a floral crown of heather and twigs. Forgot to ask what her something borrowed was!

The couple tied the knot as is the Irish tradition. Their hands were bound with maroon and green ribbons and their lifelong bond was confirmed once again.

Once the vows were exchanged, a tipple taken (judging by that pic!) and the bell rung, the couple were free to take a wander together through the beautiful landscape and reflect on 10 years together, and many more to come...

Seriously how beautiful does Ireland look? Such a fabulous job by Shane at Aspect Photography

The heartiest of congratulations!

For the reception Michelle and Andrew needed something close by that provided an elegant relaxed vibe. Luckily with the help of their wedding planner they found Sheen Falls Lodge. "Sheen was perfect. After talking to Ciaran as well I knew it was a perfect fit. He understood what we wanted to do, and was committed to doing everything he could to make it happen. We loved that Sheen also had beautiful grounds, the falls are absolutely stunning, the bridge is romantic and perfect, the dining room warm and inviting, the large fireplace just right out of a Tolkien novel. It was perfectly romantic and quintessential Irish. The highly rated food, modern spin on classic Irish fare and excellent wine list was icing on the cake."

For the reception the tone was elegant, but still incorporated a distinctly Irish theme with traditional Irish music, lots of whiskey and good quality Irish food, Michelle explained... "For the reception we had Arundo play traditional Irish music - lighter during drinks and dinner, and dancing for after. They even taught us all how to dance some traditional dances! It was an absolute blast. John was so incredibly kind to stay long after to continue singing and playing guitar for us. We even joined in the singing. It was truly a most memorable night that we will never forget."

After planning such an epic day, and enjoying ten years of married life, Michelle has some excellent advice. "Make it about the both of you. Not so you’re driving everyone crazy to put up with your antics and bridezilla moments, that’s not what I mean, rather, take the time to really sit down together and think about who you both are, who you are together as a couple, how you want to be as a couple in ten years. Think of elements for your wedding that reflect THOSE details; not just pretty sequence on the bodice and opulent floral arrangements. Make it about the two of you the way it should be about the two of you. I swear to you it will be those elements everyone will remember (yourselves included!)."

Huge congratulations to you both, and thank you so much for sharing your wonderful Irish celebration with us all.

A big thank you also goes to Shane at Aspect Photography for sharing his beautiful photography with us. To see more from Aspect Photography head over to www.aspectphotography.net.

And a very Happy St. Patrick's Day to all, especially to Michelle & Andrew and their lovely family. Comhghairdeas!